Full Notification

Narcotics Investigators serve a search warrant at a commercial marijuana business in Adelanto

DATE/TIME: Thursday, November 30, 2017 / 10:00 a.m.

INCIDENT: Concentrated Cannabis Manufacturing Lab Investigation

LOCATION: Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc.
9501 Commerce Way, Adelanto

SUSPECT(S): Pending

SUMMARY:
Investigators assigned to the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division - Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant at a commercial marijuana business in the city Adelanto this morning. The business, Lifestyle Delivery Systems (LDS) Inc., is currently under construction in preparation for commercial marijuana cultivation and manufacturing. Investigators recently learned the employees of the business were operating a concentrated cannabis extraction lab at the location. An investigation was initiated and a search warrant was obtained.

Throughout the initial stages of the investigation, investigators have been in contact with the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) regarding state laws pertaining to marijuana businesses and licensing. The Bureau of Cannabis Control is the lead agency in developing regulations for medical and adult-use cannabis in California and is responsible for licensing retailers, distributers, testing labs and microbusinesses. Bureau of Cannabis Control officials confirmed to date no applications have been accepted and no licenses have been issued to any marijuana businesses in California for approval of manufacturing.

Upon the service of today’s search warrant, employees of Lifestyle Delivery Systems were in the process of manufacturing concentrated cannabis utilizing commercial grade extraction lab equipment. The process being utilized is known as a volatile extraction process in which volatile gases are utilized. Large amounts of propane, ethanol and butane were found at the location. Large amounts of finished concentrated cannabis was also located and seized from the business.

Narcotics investigators were assisted by investigators from the Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit, San Bernardino County Fire, San Bernardino County Hazmat and Adelanto Code Enforcement. Code Enforcement personnel found numerous code violations for building safety, construction and operations inconsistent with the Adelanto city ordinance.

Under California state law, persons utilizing the volatile extraction process are in violation of Health and Safety Code Section 11379.6, Manufacturing a Controlled Substance. Violation of this section is punishable as a felony offense. Commercial marijuana businesses cannot operate volatile extraction labs in California until such time the Bureau of Cannabis Control finalizes regulations and issues licenses. The Sheriff’s Narcotics Division will actively investigate all personal and commercial extraction labs. The use of volatile substances for the purpose of extracting concentrated cannabis is extremely dangerous with a high potential for explosion and fire.

Upon completion of the investigation and identification of the involved suspects, all reports will be forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for review and filing of criminal charges for manufacturing a controlled substance.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs / Narcotics Division at 909-387-8400. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.